Tokyo came alive on June 18 as Global Citizen hosted its first-ever live music event in Japan, bringing together artists, fans, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives for a day centered on education, global health, and the next generation.

Held at the iconic Tokyo International Forum, Global Citizen Live: Tokyo combined world-class performances from YOSHIKI, &TEAM, AI, and Yuki Chiba with meaningful conversations about the future of health, education, and international cooperation through the inaugural Global Citizen Policy Dialogues.

From the conference stage to the concert arena, the day highlighted the importance of bringing new voices into conversations that will shape the future — and creating opportunities for young people to engage with issues that affect communities around the world.

Fans watch &TEAM perform during Global Citizen Live: Tokyo at Tokyo International Forum on June 18, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. Image: Christopher Jue/Getty Images for Global Citizen

Fans Take Action Through the Global Citizen App

Ahead of the event, fans earned free tickets by taking action through the Global Citizen app in support of campaigns focused on global health and maternal and child health.

The event also supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise ¥16 billion (approximately US$110 million) to help expand access to quality education for children around the world.

The fund supports community-based organizations focused on education, sport, and youth development, including initiatives in Japan. Beneficiaries include Ubuntu FS, a Kitakyushu-based organization that uses sport, culture, and social engagement to support youth development and stronger communities, and SDGs Promise Japan, a Tokyo-based nonprofit advancing education, economic opportunity, and sustainable development initiatives.

By participating through the app, fans were able to connect directly with issues being discussed throughout the day while becoming part of a global community taking action on education and health.

AI performs during Global Citizen Live: Tokyo at Tokyo International Forum on June 18, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. Image: Christopher Jue/Getty Images for Global Citizen

A Night of Unforgettable Performances

The excitement inside Tokyo International Forum was evident from the opening performance.

Award-winning singer AI kicked off the evening with fan favorites including "Happiness," "Not So Different," and "I WANNA KNOW," setting the tone for a memorable night.

Yuki Chiba followed with a high-energy performance featuring the viral hit "Team Tomodachi," alongside "Shinzo" and "Jiyu."

When &TEAM took the stage, fans went wild as the group performed some of their best-known songs, including "FIREWORK," "We on Fire," and "Run Wild."

YOSHIKI’s set ended the evening and showcased the artistry and influence that have made him one of Japan's most celebrated musicians and composers.

Surprise appearances from HYDE, KIYOHARU, MIYAVI, and Beverly added to the excitement as they joined YOSHIKI on stage for performances of "Endless Rain," "Art of Life," and "Red Swan." New music and powerful drum solos brought the event to a memorable close.

“Global Citizen Live: Tokyo marked an historic milestone for our movement, as we brought Global Citizen’s mission and global impact to Japan for the very first time,” said Simon Moss, Co-Founder of Global Citizen. 

“Japan’s leadership has never been more important — for the first time in 25 years, global child deaths are increasing, and it is the ongoing investments made by the Japanese government and people that are critical to change this. We are incredibly grateful to the artists, partners and fans who came together in Tokyo to support efforts to expand access to quality education and healthcare, and create opportunities for young people around the world.”

Dirk Ostijn, CEO of MetLife Japan, and Daisuke Matsui of the F.League speak during Global Citizen Live: Tokyo at Tokyo International Forum on June 18, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. Image: Christopher Jue/Getty Images for Global Citizen

Global Citizen Policy Dialogues Spotlight Health, Innovation, and Future Generations

Earlier in the day, Global Citizen convened leaders from government, business, philanthropy, academia, media, culture, and civil society for the inaugural Global Citizen Policy Dialogues.

The discussions focused on maternal and child health, immunization, nutrition, education, innovation, and resilient health systems, while exploring how collaboration across sectors can support stronger outcomes for future generations.

Participants included representatives from Japan's National Diet, UNICEF Tokyo, Save the Children Japan, JOICFP, Shionogi & Co., Melody International, SORA Technology, MetLife Japan, and other organizations working across health, development, and innovation.

A video message from former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi underscored the importance of international cooperation and long-term investment in health and development.

Throughout the day, speakers explored how technology, innovation, partnerships, and public engagement can contribute to improving health outcomes and expanding opportunities for children and young people.

The dialogues also highlighted the importance of ensuring younger generations are included in conversations about the future. Whether through education, technology, healthcare, or culture, today's young people will help shape the policies, innovations, and partnerships that influence communities for decades to come.

Connecting Culture and Global Conversations

One of the defining themes of the day was the connection between culture and engagement.

Music has the power to introduce new audiences to global issues, while policy discussions help translate ideas into partnerships and long-term action. By bringing these elements together, Global Citizen Live: Tokyo created opportunities for people to learn more about education, health, and international development while enjoying performances from some of Japan's most celebrated artists.

For many attendees, it was an opportunity to see how conversations taking place among policymakers, health experts, innovators, and community leaders connect to the future they will help build.

What’s to Come?

Momentum from Tokyo is already continuing.

During the Policy Dialogues, Western Australia Premier Roger Cook announced that Global Citizen NOW: Perth will take place from October 18–20, 2026, in the lead-up to COP31.

The announcement connected discussions in Tokyo with future conversations on health, energy, innovation, and international cooperation that will continue later this year.

Produced in partnership with Action Network and supported by major partner MetLife Japan, Global Citizen Live: Tokyo marked the beginning of a new chapter for Global Citizen in Japan.

By bringing together music, ideas, and public participation, the event created a platform for artists, leaders, and young people to engage with issues that will shape the future — and demonstrated the value of ensuring the next generation is part of those conversations.